We Are Strong Together.

Out in the Open connects rural LGBTQ people to build community, visibility, knowledge and power. We know that LGBTQ people have a critical role in the work toward our collective liberation. We are dedicated to our values of anti-racism, embracing intersections, connections, and rural experiences, while celebrating resistance and queer joy along the way.

We are led by an all rural LGBTQ+, multi-racial staff and board of directors. Our work is rooted in place, trust, and relationships. We believe that rural LGBTQ+ people have a central role to play in moving all people and our communities towards a collectively liberated and connected future. 

Are You With Us?

In an era of ever increasing anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation—OITO continues to be dedicated to providing essential services and support to our community.

This can only happen when we work together! You can help build movements with us and organize for social change. Your contributions make it possible for rural LGBTQ folks to access greatly-needed resources and community

Can you help us meet our ambitious $30,000 June fundraising goal by making a meaningful donation now? Our June fundraising campaign is critical to ensuring that we can continue to provide our essential work to LGBTQ+ individuals living in rural areas. We rely on the generosity of our donors to keep our programs running, and we need your help now more than ever.

Your donation fuels Out in the Open's important work including:

• The HEART Program (Health Equity and Access for Rural TLGBQ+) aims to address common healthcare barriers faced by TLGBQ+ (Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer) people in Windham County, VT.

• Out in the Open Summit for Rural & Small Town LGBTQ Folks--a gathering place to collectively discuss and explore our rural and small town experiences as LGBTQ people.

• Fellowships like our inaugural 2023 Vermont Trans Audio Retreat! The audio retreat brought together a wonderful group of 10 trans & non-binary Vermont folks. Over the course of 5 days, our cohort--led by Rae of Country Queers--crafted incredible audio pieces. We hope to continue this audio and storytelling offering, in other locations and iterations. 

• Our upcoming Power & Belonging Fellowship! This is a paid cohort of LGBTQ+ people in rural Maine who, with the support of Out in the Open, will strategize and build relationships together--taking what they've learned back into their home communities to talk and work with their neighbors across differences. 

Thank you for all of the ways you support our communities!ps. You can donate directly Out in the Open and set up your own fundraising page and encourage your friends and family to donate as well! Click the "become a community fundraiser" button on this page to sign-up. Our top fundraiser will receive beautiful work from Maine's Ank Ceramics! Second place will win the delicious Grande Dames from Vermont's V Smiley Preserves! Here's a short guide to help get you started!